My best friends mum, an NHS worker for over 30 years that worked continually throughout Covid-19, suffered life changing injuries as a result of a tragic accident on 22nd August 2020.

Paula Spragg was rushed from Royal Glamorgan Hospital and from there taken straight to the University Hospital of Wales where she worked prior.

As a result of her accident, Paula suffered a broken C5/C6 in her spine and is now in a wheelchair.

After a 10.5 hour operation her spinal cord swelled leaving her unable to breathe. This meant she had to be put on a life support machine in intensive care for over 3 weeks. It was at this point we were told it was likely that Paula wouldn’t be able to walk again.

On the 26th October she got transferred over to Rookwood to begin her rehabilitation. So far, with the help of physiotherapy, Paula's arms have come back and sensation has started to come back in her wrists and fingertips.

Sadly, due to all of the strict Covid restrictions, Paula's closest family have only been allowed to visit her 5 times since her fall in August last year.

With the news of Rookwood closing, Paula will be unable to carry on her rehabilitation and is likely to be relocated to Llwynapia until the house is suitable enough for her to come home to.

She has been living with her husband for 25 years in a house that has become their family home. The lack of support and help available has limited the families options and sadly, may mean they may have to sell up and move house if financial means can’t be met to adjust the house. As a family, the Spragg's feel devastated and at a loss not knowing where to turn.

Paula is a hard-working, brave and selfless woman who has always put others before herself, working 60 plus hours a week during the pandemic which included working on positive Covid-19 wards. She has spent most of her life giving to the NHS.

Even now, Paula continues to be positive and have a smile on her face. We are all trying our hardest to have her home before Christmas 2021. Any money raised would go towards disability equipment, house adjustments, including the front of the house, bedroom and bathroom extension in the garden

The whole Spragg family and those close to them would be eternally grateful for any money that can be raised to help and support. Thank you.